2012 | ISBN: 0752468782 | English | 160 Pages | EPUB | 3 MB


The siege of Tobruk lasted 240 days during which the 'gallant garrison' of Allied soldiers, primarily the Australian 9th Division, held out against constant attacks from Rommel's Afrika Korps. The battle became one of the longest sieges in British military history and a potent symbol of British resistance. However, Tobruk's importance was far beyond that of a mere symbol in the war, it was a key fortress and port that enabled the resupply of troops throughout the Western Desert theatre. Indeed, Goebbels was so infuriated by the British stand that he referred to the garrison troops as 'rats' and the 'Rats of Tobruk' became known for their tenacity.